George R.R. Martin Produces Animated Hercules Movie, Delays Winds of Winter

George R.R. Martin, renowned for his epic "Game of Thrones" series, has taken on a new role as a producer for an upcoming animated Hercules movie titled "A Dozen Tough Jobs." This project aims to reimagine the classic Greek tale of Hercules' 12 labors, but with a unique twist: the story will be narrated from the perspective of a farmer set in 1920s Mississippi. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted this intriguing approach, which combines ancient myth with a rich, historical setting.

While Martin will contribute as a producer, the scriptwriting duties are assigned to Joe R. Lansdale, known for his quirky novel "Bubba Ho-Tep," where Elvis battles an Egyptian mummy. David Steward II, head of Lion Forge Entertainment, praised Martin's involvement, stating, "If anyone understands the power of epic stories and expansive franchises, it's George R.R. Martin." He emphasized that "A Dozen Tough Jobs" will offer a groundbreaking retelling, blending history and myth in a way that has never been seen before.

Despite this exciting new venture, fans of Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series continue to await the next installment, "The Winds of Winter." It has been nearly 14 years since the release of "A Dance with Dragons" in July 2011, and there is still no confirmed release date for the upcoming book. Martin has plans to follow "The Winds of Winter" with "A Dream of Spring," to conclude the series—a plan that the "Game of Thrones" TV adaptation did not wait for, resulting in a mixed reception.

In the meantime, Martin has been involved in various projects, including multiple "Game of Thrones" TV spin-offs, such as the successful "House of the Dragon," and fictional historical novels set in the franchise's universe. Additionally, he has contributed to the video game industry by writing backstory for "Elden Ring."

In a recent blog post dated April 7, 2025, Martin expressed frustration about constant speculation regarding the imminent release of "The Winds of Winter," firmly stating, "It’s not. No." He admitted that television projects consumed much of his time in the first half of the previous year, further delaying his work on the long-awaited book.

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